Research Data Management: Introduction

What is Research Data?

Research data or datasets are the evidence collected during the course of a research project which can be used to support, validate, or reproduce the project’s published findings. These data can be quantitative or qualitative, digital or physical, and can be collected through a range of methods or derived from existing sources. This could include statistics, collections of images, survey data, results of experiments, or many other forms of data.

Research Data Management

Research Data Management (RDM) covers the entire research data lifecycle – essentially everything that a researcher might do with their data. This includes collection, storage, curation, publication, archiving and disposal.

Good data management is fundamental to the research process. It is a dynamic process that must be carefully considered throughout the course of a research project, from the planning stage through to final publication of results.

Benefits of RDM

Research Data Management Essentials

Queen's Research Data Management Policy

The University has a Research Data Management Policy (see below) which applies to all researchers, including postgraduate research students. Anyone undertaking or supporting research at Queen’s should ensure that they are familiar with the Policy and the supporting guidance. In summary, the Policy states that:

Research data generated and held by the University are key assets that must be managed correctly.

The University seeks to promote the highest standards in the management of research data.

The University supports the principle of open research data, where legally, ethically and commercially appropriate.

Where required by funder, research data that has been selected for retention must be offered for deposit and preservation in an appropriate repository.

Papers should include a short data access statement outlining how and on what terms the data underpinning the findings outlined in that paper may be accessed.

Research data should be retained for as long as of value to the researcher and the wider research community (minimum five years OR as specified by funder).